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Army Operations Officer Translates Experience to Excel as an Installation Program Manager for Fortune 500 Company

July 3rd, 2017

Originally from upstate New York, Joel left active duty with the Army and was working on a Master’s Degree when he contacted Bradley-Morris for help with his transition into the civilian workforce. He was matched with a Senior Candidate Recruiter and was placed into a management role earning more than $100,000 a year.

What job did you find through Bradley-Morris, how long have you been there, and what do you do?
I am the Installation Program Manager with the Security Division of a Fortune 500 Company. I manage a team of Project Managers and Union Technicians that install and upgrade security systems in New York and New Jersey. I have been in this role for two months, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it has many similarities to an Operations Officer in the Army. I review and approve proposed projects for feasibility, procure and distribute resources and ensure that everything is in place for my team when they arrive on-site.

Did you use any other military placement firms or online tools during your job search?
I worked with one other firm, LinkedIn and my school’s career office. The career office was helpful for resume review and mock interviews, but most of their placements are 25 year old students and seeking an entry-level role. They didn’t have the right connections to place a more experienced candidate, such as myself.

What do you think helped you land your new career?
An ability to translate what you did in the service to a civilian role is important. Demonstrate that you know what the role entails, do your homework and be sure to close the interview. Show a genuine interest in how the role works: When my potential boss started talking about the software systems they use, I asked if he could show me. I think I closed the deal when I walked around his desk and pulled up a chair to start learning their systems.

What advice do you have for transitioning military?
Be persistent and don’t develop a job crush. It’s normal to attend several interviews before you are extended a job offer. Stick with it and eventually someone is going to look at you and say, “THAT is the guy/gal I want on my team.”